Overview & Reviews

Mitsubishi has built its brand in the United States with a selection of cars and SUVs that tend to offer above-average performance and style. The parent company has its roots in producing commercial vehicles for its home market of Japan.

A Japanese word meaning "three diamonds," Mitsubishi was founded in by Yataro Iwasaki, a descendant of samurais, in the early 1870s. The company's initial focus was on shipping, but it quickly diversified into areas such as mining and ship repair. In 1917, Mitsubishi unveiled the Model A, Japan's first series production passenger car.

It wasn't until 1960, with the launch of the compact Mitsubishi 500, that the company began producing passenger vehicles on a large scale. That decade also saw the launch of other Mitsubishi light passenger vehicles like the 360 Van and 360 Pickup. The company also distinguished itself on the racetrack during this decade, taking top honors in Japan's Grand Prix.

Mitsubishi's automobile production arm was officially spun off into a company of its own with the establishment of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in 1970. The company's Colt made its way to American shores in 1971, the same year in which Chrysler purchased a 15 percent stake in the new company. However, the Colt wasn't sold under the Mitsubishi name, but rather under the Dodge brand, reflecting Chrysler's interest in the company. By the end of the decade, Mitsubishi was producing more than 1 million cars per year.

In 1982, Mitsubishi began selling cars in the U.S. under its own name. Through the '80s it offered a variety of cars for the states, including the subcompact Mirage, turbocharged Starion sports car and midsize Galant sedan. Mitsubishi hit its stride in the '90s, thanks to the popularity of the Eclipse sport coupe and 3000GT sports car in the U.S. and the turbocharged Lancer Evolution in other parts of the world.

Chrysler made the most of its partnership, as it used Mitsubishi platforms under many of its models. The Eclipse, in particular, was a key vehicle produced by the Diamond Star Motors partnership. In 1998, Chrysler merged with Daimler-Benz to become DaimlerChrysler. Mitsubishi's partnership continued with DaimlerChrysler for a few years but was financially terminated by 2003.

The new millennium has been a struggle for Mitsubishi. Its vehicles have grown stale with consumers and sales have wavered. At one point the company was forced to admit that it had systematically covered up vehicle defects in Japan. On the upside, though, the company's compact, high-performance sedan, the Lancer Evolution, has been a continuing success in the United States. Going forward, Mitsubishi plans to revitalize its brand by developing environmentally friendly vehicles (such as its all-electric "i" hatchback) that are still fun to drive.

User Reviews:

• 

  great car - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By NS - September 14 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS MY SECOND ECLIPSE, I HAVE HAD ABSOLUTLY NO PROBLEMS WITH EITHER CARS, AND I DRIVE ALOT OF MILES, I HAVE ALMOST 30K MILES ON THIS CAR AND IT IS A YEAR OLD. IT JUST RUNS AND RUNS

• 

  Check insurance price before you buy - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Tony - September 12 - 1:00 pm

  We bought this car for my 16 year old son thinking it would be a nice car for him to drive back and forth to school. The car looks and drives wonderful, plenty of power and great gas mileage. Our shock was when we went to get it covered with our local insurance agent. The price was outrageous! I now see on the internet, it is right at the top of the list for most expensive cars to insure. Dont make the same mistake we did; Check with your insurance agent first!

• 

  GREAT VALUE AT A REASONABLE PRICE! - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By TIto - September 11 - 10:30 pm

  The reviews are way too harsh , do they think its supposed to drive like a Porsche?, that is just not gonna happen!! This car rides and accelerates adequately on the streets and highway for a regular driver, even with a load of people I was doing 80mph without noticing because of how smooth it drives. Very comfortable even for an obese person as I am .

• 

  Its OK, but not my Acura - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By nothappy2003 - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Man I must be spoiled by my Acura RL which turns on a dime. This GTS has a very poor turn radius. Also, the gearing needs revamped. A lot of wasted gears. I usually just use 1,3 and 5. Thats all that is needed. Also my wife almost killed herself because she reached down to the console tray for something, and when she pulled back and the parking brake got caught on her sleeve. going down the highway at 80 miles an hour and pulling the brake is a recipe for disaster. After a 360 degree slide she was OK, no thanks to the designers at Mitsubishi. I think the interior needs a major redesign!!!

• 

  follow up to earlier review - 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By mattwc1 - September 1 - 1:43 am

  I believe a truly accurate review on a vehicle should include proper time/mileage increments. I currently have almost 150k on my 01 ES Sedan. My opinion has not changes since my last review. I average between 31- 35mph on mostly highway commutes. This vehicle has not let me down. The engine while slow is smooth and reliable. The transmission works well with the engine. The car is much more comfortable than its size belies. I do agree that cruise control would be nice, the paint chips easily, and a tachometer should be standard. However, considering that I have not had a car payment in 5 years and the car is so easy to keep and maintain, I will gladly live without. only 1 non pm fix; AC line

• 

  Impressive, but not a fan at 1st - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Fraws - August 28 - 10:30 am

  I never cared for this body style at 1st, but since I had credit problems in the past I wasnt able to get into a newer Eclipse. I have owned this car since Feb 29th 2008 and let it be known that this car is pretty sweet. The drive is nice, power for a 4 cylinder is tight. Its no 6, but gas prices these days makes this a more a advantage. I love to mod cars and the aftermarket has plenty to go with this car. Eat your heart out boy and girls this car is for REAL.

• 

  Better than expected - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Chuck - August 27 - 4:26 am

  After "trying on" several small SUVs, I decided this one has the best seat comfort which was my main criterion. I was pleasantly surprised with the mpg and ergonomics of the unit as well. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone looking for a small SUV with AWD.

• 

  Great Car - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By candr36236 - August 25 - 10:00 am

  I was in a car accident which was not my fault resulting in my car getting totalled. Unfortunatly I have not yet been able to replace it because the guy that hit me and 4 other cars has 10/20/10 resulting in me having to still pay on my loan, and being out with out a car. Anyway, because of this great car, my 18mo old girl and I were not injured at all. The guy was driving about 60mph upon impact hitting my front left corner and I hardely felt the hit due to the superior crumple zone in this vehicle. I love this car, and will get a new one as soon as I can. And, uh, yes, donations are welcome :)

• 

  Fun to drive but has serious problems - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Pete from NY - August 14 - 10:50 pm

  I bought this car brand new in Jan. ’01. It was great for the first 4-5 years. Fun to drive, great pickup and sound system. Traction control works great in the snow. I did all required maintenance at the dealership. First, the horn stopped working (sensor in the steering wheel had to be replaced in ’04). Then the hood started rusting from the inside out together with several seams in the engine compartment. The hood was replaced by Mitsubishi but I had to pay for paining and installation ($400). The struts had to be replaced at 105,000 miles together with wheel bearings and other parts of the front suspension (total cost with new tires $2,200). The car is only worth $3,500.

• 

  Warrior Galant - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By MiamiGalant - August 9 - 11:43 am

  I purchased this car in 2007 at an auto auction as a previous rental car with a whopping 185,000! I couldnt believe this car was still running so good. I kept the car for my father and today this car has 231,756. My father probably changed the oil 2-3 during his ownership and this car still runs great, no problems whatsoever. Mitsubishi did great with these, I really underestimated them.